Sudhansh Pant IAS given additional charge as Secretary- Dept of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities
Shri Sudhansh Pant IAS (Rajasthan 1991) presently Secretary- Department of Social Justice & Empowerment has been given the additional charge as Secretary- Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) from 09.05.2026 to 24.05.2026 during the period of absence on leave of Ms. V. Vidyavathi IAS (Karnataka 1991).
The Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan), serves as the administrative head of the department under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. The position is generally held by a senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer responsible for policy formulation, implementation, coordination, and monitoring of programs related to the welfare and empowerment of persons with disabilities across the country.
The department works toward ensuring equal opportunities, social justice, accessibility, inclusion, and empowerment for Divyangjan in line with constitutional provisions and international commitments such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). The Secretary oversees major initiatives related to education, skill development, employment, rehabilitation, accessibility infrastructure, assistive devices, and social security schemes for persons with disabilities.
A key responsibility of the office includes implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, which provides a legal framework for protecting the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities. The Secretary also coordinates with state governments, autonomous bodies, rehabilitation institutions, and non-governmental organizations to strengthen inclusive policies and service delivery systems.
The department promotes initiatives such as accessible public infrastructure, inclusive education systems, digital accessibility, and employment opportunities in both government and private sectors. It also supports research, innovation, and technology-driven solutions aimed at improving the quality of life for Divyangjan.
As the senior-most bureaucratic authority in the department, the Secretary plays a vital role in advancing inclusive governance and ensuring that welfare schemes effectively reach beneficiaries across India. The position contributes significantly to building a more accessible, equitable, and inclusive society for persons with disabilities.
Indian Bureaucracy News wishes Shri Sudhansh Pant the very best.